THE manager of a Wallingford newsagents has spoken of his shock after an employee stole more than £2,000 worth of scratchcards from him.

James Oliver, of Springdale, Wallingford, was handed a six-month sentence suspended for two years at Oxford Crown Court on Thursday after stealing from KP Stationers.

The 24-year-old admitted theft and fraud by false representation between November 20 last year and January 23.

Store manager Ashley Kempson said Oliver was a “trusted” senior member of staff who had worked at the store since September 2012.

The father-of two added: “I’m glad it’s over now because it does linger that’s for sure. His friends and colleagues have been hurt by it.”

Prosecutor John Law said Oliver stole 15 packs of scratchcards from the Market Place store before cashing in prizes worth £1,635.

Mr Law said deputy store manager Dan Beecham decided to set up “covert cameras” in the shop after noticing cash was missing from tills. He saw Oliver leaving work on January 23 looking “nervous” and watched him putting “packs down his trousers” after checking footage.

Mr Law said police officers later searched Oliver’s home and found one scratchcard which had not been activated.

Defence barrister Gareth James said Oliver was in “financial difficulties” after taking out payday loans and stole the scratchcards to help pay off his debts.

He added: “There is a great deal of remorse from this young man.”

Mr Kempson said: “He could have come to talk to us and we could have worked something out.”

Judge Ian Pringle issued a confiscation order of £1,490, which Oliver must pay within 28 days. He must also carry out 180 hours of unpaid work, as well as pay KP Stationers £943.16 and Camelot Solutions Limited £564.84.